MINOR FALL/MAJOR LIFT is a bi-coastal collaboration of live music and dance, featuring all-new choreography by iconic San Diego Choreographer John Malashock and co-produced with Art of Élan. The performance is set to stirring new music by composers affiliated with New Amsterdam Records (Brooklyn, NY), played live by the world-renowned NOW Ensemble (New York) – Art of Élan’s Ensemble-in-Residence for 2017.

The program will consist of five new interconnected choreographic works that explore the theme of ‘change’ and our reactions to it, set to music by four different composers, including a commissioned score by Judd Greenstein, who is the founding Co-Director of New Amsterdam Records and is a Composer-in-Residence with NOW Ensemble. The other composers are Mark Dancigers, David Crowell, and Patrick Burke.

Greenstein’s new commissioned music score (and Malashock’s choreography) is entitled THE JEWISH POPE, and is inspired by an ancient folk legend about a Jewish boy, stolen from his family in the ghetto, who is raised in the church and rises to the position of Pope, before casting off the glory and returning to his own people.

Working with different composers who defy genre and push aesthetic boundaries will create a program full of contrasting and complementary elements. This dynamic variety will allow the choreographer and musicians to reach beyond their creative comfort zone and bring audiences on a journey through this artistic landscape.

Known for his daring and athletic partnering and keen sense of musicality, Malashock is the perfect choreographer to work with such boundary-pushing composers. The NOW Ensemble will share the stage with the Malashock Dance Company Dancers, and add synergy and powerful energy to the performance.